SB 519 has been put on hold until January 2022. The bill would create legal psychedelic possession rules for California. The announcement comes from the bill’s sponsor, Senator Scott Wiener, D. Previously, the bill passed the full senate and three General Assembly committees: Public Safety, Public Health, and Appropriations. Senator Wiener adamantly tried pushing back against any delay to enact SB 519 by the end of 2021. However, it appears plans have changed.
Senator Wiener also sponsored SB 57 which also passed the full Senate. This bill would allow legal safe consumption sites to operate across the state. It would have coincided with SB 519 for legal psychedelic possession. However, SB 57 received a delay until 2022 earlier this legislative session.
Senator Response
While saddened over his decision to delay SB 519, Senator Wiener took to Twitter to express his gratitude for supporters and how far the bill made it in its first run.
“Over the next year, our coalition of veterans, parents, healthcare professionals & others will continue to work hard to earn the support of Assemblymembers. This is a righteous bill,” the senator tweeted.
Senator Wiener also released a statement regarding his decision and hopes for the future.
“Given that this idea had never before been introduced in the legislature, our progress is a testament to the power of the issue and the urgency of the need to act,” the senator said. “I’m so grateful to my colleagues for working with us and advancing the bill so significantly. Now that we have more time, I’m optimistic through education and member engagement we can pass this critical legislation next year.
“Decriminalizing psychedelics is an important step in ending the failed War on Drugs, and we are committed to this fight. Our mental health crisis is worse than ever, and psychedelics have shown great promise in treating mental health issues from PTSD to anxiety and depression,” he continued. “I look forward to working hard to continue this fight.”
Next Steps
Supporters have responded on Twitter to the senator’s words. They seem encouraged about the next steps for psychedelic possession in California. Activists plan to work together to gain more support before each bill becomes discussed in January 2022. As more information becomes available, we will update you with the latest.
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